Cool MatePart vs Split 'em wide
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Part
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Split 'em wide
SlangBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: PartMost common: Part
| Part | Split 'em wide | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/pɑːt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pɑːrt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //splɪt 'ɛm waɪd//🇺🇸 //splɪt 'ɛm waɪd// |
| Meaning | A piece or segment of something. | Open or spread something apart widely. |
| Example | She plays a significant part in the school play. | The comedian said, 'Split 'em wide and let’s see what’s inside that suitcase!' |
| Register | Neutral | Slang |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, replacement, spare, auto, manufacture, assemble, parts dealer, parts maker, parts supplier, big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, big, good, greater, comprise, constitute, fall into, in part, part of, the parts of the body, foreign parts, private parts, big, bit, small, act, have, play, in the part, part of, act the part, dress the part, look the part, big, huge, leading, have, do, play, part in, big, bit, small, act, have, play, in the part, part of, act the part, dress the part, look the part | split 'em wide open, split 'em wide apart, let's split 'em wide, could you split 'em wide |
| Antonyms | whole, entirety, total | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'parts' when referring to a single piece., Confusing 'part' with 'share' in certain contexts., Misplacing 'part' in compound phrases, such as 'part time' to 'time part'. | Confused with 'split them wide' - 'em is a slang contraction., Used in formal contexts where slang is inappropriate., Misunderstood as a literal command when intended metaphorically. |
| Usage notes | Use 'part' for referring to a section of a whole. It's appropriate in both spoken and written language, but more formal contexts may prefer 'component' or 'element'. | Used informally, often in playful or humorous contexts. Not appropriate in formal writing or discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Part vs Split 'em wide
What's the difference between Part and Split 'em wide?
Part: A piece or segment of something. Split 'em wide: Open or spread something apart widely.
Which is more formal: Part and Split 'em wide?
Part is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Part and Split 'em wide?
Part is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Part: She plays a significant part in the school play. Split 'em wide: The comedian said, 'Split 'em wide and let’s see what’s inside that suitcase!'
Can I use Part and Split 'em wide interchangeably?
Not always. Part and Split 'em wide are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.